The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-01-16
MESSAGE or THE GOVERNOR OF
ARKANSAS

The message oil Gov. Hughes to the
Legislature Of Arkansas, on Wednes-
day last, is an admirable specimen Of
what suCh document should be; IL
is the outcome OF thoughtful, iRtel-
ligent and liberal mind. Exp essing
gratitude to the Supreme Ruler Of the
destinies of nations, the Governor says
the State hiss been suhjec. to no great
calamity, but has been peiceful, con-
tented and prosperous. Only oncs
has the militia been called ont, then
order was soon restored without ex-
trsme measures. An appropriation
for the militia is recommended. The
State finances are in good condition.
The public debt requires regulation,
to secure which the message makes
appropriate suggestions, vigorously
standing up for the State to pay honest
ly every cent honestly owed. There
is much confusion with respect to
the State lands, and it ia recommend
cd that provision be made for asc r
tanning ownership OF lands, so that
lands liable 10 taxation may pay their
proportion, and lands now sold should
be at 81 so instead Of so cents au acre.
Gov. Hughes's views upon education
are admirable. He sees no prospect OF
advancement or permanent prosperity
without intelligence, and he emphat-
ically declares that Arkansas "cannot
afford TO retrograde in the cause of
education" The growth OF the public
schools since the last legislative $685.
sion has been gratifying, large num-
Der of new schoolhouses have been
built, some OF them handsome struct-
ures. County supervision and divis-
ion into smaller school districts is rec
commended. The State Industrial
University, embarrassed with the |
d. difficulties that always bsset new in
has not been go successful |
Ms could be wished. The buildings |
and management are good, and, with
sympathy and the necessary money
aid, success will come. The lunatic
asylum Is noble structure, but
wants more land attached to II. The
penitentiary has $40 INN ties, and, I'M
fortunately, the youthful criminals are
associated with the mature and
hardened, and the Governor recon-
mends the institution Of a reiormstory
Tor the young. The m message pleads
iOr provision 10 aid the agricultural,
manufacturing and mining interests OF
The State. A State geolo2ist is wanted,
OT al leEs, a chemical laboratory in
with an agricultural, man.
and mining bureau. The
Jsgislsture is reminded that
various exposilions are approach
ng, and provision may be
-tquiTed for such part as Arkansas
nsy tide in them. Railroads occupy
! material portion of the message,
and while laudiug their utility, the
Governor suggests that interstate leg
station is necessary to prevent abuses,
by wise State lawe, as
the genius and spirit OF our system
II government is opposed to mouopo-
y, and TO the aggrandlzement Of
avored classes at the expense OF the
The Establishment Of State
3oard Of Railroad Commissioners
Vould be useful in preventing many
wills and abuses. A higher public I
Dad tax is recommended; also, an APP
reputation for the State Board of
Health also, that Congress should be
allied upon to distribute to the Cot
on States the $4,000, 900 Of unconsti-
utionaliy collected cotton tax. The ,,
iovernor urges laws for the protec.
ion OF capital in its rights, and labor {
n its just claims. We regret that
We have nots space TO sum- y,
nariss the admirable sentiments and 9
giss suggestions Of this part Of Gsv.
iughes's message. The consolidation
u State and Federal elections,the COM /,
ng national centennisls, and crop '
mortgages, each receive attention. The
whole spirit OF this finely drawn mp :
message, lis kindly feeling, its thought -,
nlness for the less favored Of fortune,
Is opposition to oppres ion and the /
buses OF monopoly, its intelligent y
rasp and lucid expression, its appre-
iation OF the value of public educa- a
on andof care for the improvement OF 9
onvioIs, added to its comprehensive .
ess In call ng attention to every main
ointrtquiriu9 legislative action, make /
10 Ark nsas. Governors message
Iodel worthy of imitation. Compar- )
ons are odIous, but il is impossible !
OF to feel how meager the longer Ten t
essee message is when Contrasted
18th the Arkansas one. q
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